A Sight
To Behold
Holocaust Memorial Center
construction is on schedule.
Rabbi Rosenzveig speaks with HMC project manager Tim VanAntwerp.
HARRY KIRS BAUM
StalfW-iter
T
he ground is muddy and treacherous, the
temporary roof leaks, and the hum of
construction equipment never stops —
but to Rabbi Charles Rosenzveig, it's a
dream come true.
As the new site of the Holocaust Memorial Center
takes shape on the west side of Orchard Lake Road
north of 12 Mile in Farmington Hills, Rabbi
Rosenzveig, HMC founder and executive director,
said he has $7 million in the bank and the fund-
raising campaign hasn't even gotten under way.
The HMC will seek a total of S25 million: $17
million for the 52,000-square-foot building and an
S8 million endowment.
Plans call for construction to be finished in September.
The partially built structure is already impressive.
No detail has been spared — from the different
types of brick used for each of the three massive
exhibit rooms, to the six skylights visitors will walk
under as they tour the exhibits.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime building, and for us
to be a part of it is really amazing," said Granger
Construction Company's Tim VanAntwerp, HMC
project manager who is based in Lansing. "There's a
buzz in the community."
Rabbi Rosenzveig said his aim is to make the
HMC a template for museums designed for the 21st
century. He predicts international awards for HMC
designer Neumann Smith & Associates of Southfield.
Farmington Hills Mayor Nancy Bates said she's
excited about the HMC, now located in West
Bloomfield, being in her city.
"I just wanted to repeat the words I said at the
HMC groundbreaking in June. I remember the
words of [the late] Rabbi [Morris] Adler, 'Never fear
tomorrow, God is already there."'
Although many are happy to
see the quick rise of the new
HMC, some have safety
concerns about the site;
"In today's crazy
world, [security]
is the number
one priori-
ty," said
Emery Klein, of Southfield. "The building is
exposed to major traffic. It's very easy to do some-
thing and be on the expressway in two minutes."
Although not at liberty to discuss building securi-
ty; Rabbi Rosenzveig could only say, "The Pentagon
isn't going to be as secure as this place."
Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer also
had comforting words. "Precautions are being taken
that I'm not going to discuss in case there are prob-
lems or threats made," he said. "We're prepared for
any type situation that may occur.
"The area is heavily patrolled now, and once it
opens up, there will be extra patrols to ensure the
safety of those who want to visit the center." I !